Trussless roof



Sept. 30, 1941.

J. F. BLASKI mussmss ROOF Fi led Oct. 17, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 30, 1941. J. F. BLASKI I 2,257,153

TRUSSLESS ROQF Filed 001;. 17,-1940 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 30, 1941. J. F. BLASKI 2,257,153

TRUSSLESS ROOF Filed Oct. 17, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Sept. 30, 1941 UNITED STATES if, OFFICE TRUSSLESS ROOF J ohn F. Blaski, Chicago, Ill.

Application October 17, 1940, Serial No. 361,511

14 Claims.

My invention relates to an improved roof construction of the type which is arched between two side supports, ordinarily'the side walls of a building.

It is an object of my invention to provide an improved roof construction of this type which is trussless and requires no supports, other than thesupports on which it rests, either inside or outside the roof, for-sustaining it.

It is also an object of my invention to provide an improved roof construction of this type which comprises a plurality of roof sections extending side by side transversely of-the roof. It is contemplated that each of the roof sections shall be arched not only longitudinally thereof but also transversely thereof and shall not only be selfsustaining but shall give substantial bracing support to adjacent roof sections.

It is another object-of my invention to provide an improved roof construction of this type which may be built with theuse of inexpensive material and which may be easily assembled.

It is a further object-of my invention to provide an improved roof construction of this type which is substantially smooth on both its inside and outside.

It is also an object of my invention to provide an improved roof construction ofthis type in which certain of the roof sections are provided struction comprises a plurality of roof sections extending side by side transverselyof the roof, each of the roof sections being arched transversely thereof and also lengthwise thereof between the side building supports, the roof sections each being formed by a plurality of courses extending lengthwise of the roof section, each of I the courses being made up of'building members laid end to end with the joints between the members non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent-courses; andfastening elements for securing the building-members of each course to the members of the adjacent courses.

The invention consists of the novel constructions and arrangements to be hereinafter described and claimed for carrying out the above stated objects and such other objects as will appearfrom the following description of certain preferred embodiments illustratedin the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. l is a plan view of a portion of a roof constructionembodying the principles of my invention;

Fig. 2 is an end-elevational view thereof;

.Fig. dis a side elevational 'view thereof;

Figsfil, 5 and G are sectional views on an enlarged scale taken on lines 4-4, 55 and 6-6 respectively of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the roof construction taken substantially from line 'l-l of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is an end view of a modification of my invention;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of a portion of the roof construction illustrated in Fig. 8;

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are sectional views on an enlarged scale taken on lines |0Ill, ll-l l, and

12-42 respectively of Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is an end elevationalview of'another modification of my invention; a

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view'of a portion of the roof construction illustrated in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line l5"l5of Fig. 14.;

Fig. 16 is'an end elevational View of still another modification of my invention;

Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of a portion of the roof construction illustrated in Fig. 16; and

Figs. 18, 19 and 20 are sectional viewson an enlarged scale taken on lines |8l8, l9+'l9, and 2ll20 respectively of Fig. 16. 7

Like characters of reference designate like parts in the several'views;

Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, it will be noted that the roof construction is'in the form ofan arch which extends between and is supported by opposite side building walls '25 and 26. The roof comprises a plurality of roof sections 21, 28, 29, 30 and 31 which extend side by side transversely of the roof and between the side supporting walls. Each of the roof sections, see Fig. 2,"is arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends toward its center and each of the sections, see 7 Figs. 4 and 5 is also arched crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center. The roof section 21, for example, is arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends 21a and 21b resting on the supports 25 and 26 toward its center 210 on the transverse center lin of the roof section and on the longitudinal center line of the roof, see Fig. 4, and the section'zl is arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides, 21d and Zle to its center 21 on the longitudinal center lineof the section. Each ofthe roof sections is substantially uniform in cross section from end to end, substantially as shown in Fig. 4 except for openings 32 for-skylights 33 in the alternate secend to end in courses which extend lengthwise of the roof section. The roof section 21, for example, comprises the courses A, B and C and the roof section 29 comprises the courses P and Q. The course A, as may be seen in Fig. '7, comprises members 34a and 34b; the course B comprises members 34c, 34d and 34c; and the course C comprises members 34 and 34g. The course P, as may be seen in Fig. 6, comprises members 342, 34m, 3411,, and 340, and the course Q comprises 34p, 34q and 341'. The members 34 in each of the courses are disposed in face to face contact with the members in adjacent courses and with the joints between the members non-coincident with respect to the joints between'the members in adjacent courses. For example, the members 34a and 34b in course A are in face to face contact with the members 34c, 34d, and 34e in course B, and the joints between the members 34a and 34b are non-coincident with the joints between the members 34c, 34d, and 34e. Each'of the building members in each of the courses in the is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13 to 15 except that the roof sections 50, 5|

' and 52 which are substantially identical in cross roof construction is disposed with its faces which make contact with the members in adjacent courses substantially at right angles to the pitch line of the roof at the member. The faces 35 of certain of the building members 34, as seen in Fig. 4 for example, are disposed at'right angles to the line 36 which is the pitch line of the roof portion 2171! The building members 34 are of wood or other suitable material. The building members are each preferably curved lengthwise thereof, see Fig. 6, and may be of various or random lengths. The building members in each course are attached to adjacent members in adjacent courses by suitable fastening elements, such as spikes 31. Each of the building members is preferably attached to the adjacent members in adjacent courses by at least two spikes, thereby joining the members into a strong network.

Certain adjacent courses of the building members in the central regions of the alternate sections 28 and 3B are discontinuous whereby the openings 32 are provided for the skylights 33. The skylights may be of the ordinary type having sides 38 which swing upwardly for ventilation. Bracing members 39 in the form of metal bars are preferably provided, see Fig. 5, which are secured to and extend from one side to the other of the roof sections for strengthening the roof sections.

- The embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 12 is similar to that shown in Figs. 1 to 7, except that each of the roof sections 40, 4! and 42 of the construction, which are substantially identical, is not uniform in cross section from end to end but varies in height from a maximum at the center to a substantially zero height at the ends of the section. As illustrated in Fig. 12, this modified construction at its sides extends along the roof supports 43 and44 in substantially straight lines. The construction illustrated in Figs, 13, 14 and 15 is similar to the embodiments described above except that the roof sections45, 46 and41 are curved in cross section. Each section is of substantially uniform transverse cross section from end to end, see- Fig. 15. In this embodiment also the contacting side faces of each member is substantially at right angles to the pitch line of the roof; at the member. For example, the contacting faces of the members 343: and 34g; designated at 48 are substantially at right angles to the pitch line '49 of theroof at the-members. The construction illustrated in Figs. 16 to 20 by side.

section are not uniform but are arched more and have a greater height near their centers than towards their ends. section at their nds have a substantially zero height and extend substantially in straight lines, see FigsflG and 20.

Each of my improved roof constructions comprises a plurality of roof sections'extending side Each section is arched not only lengthwise thereof by also crosswis thereof, and each section not only is self-sustaining but also acts to brace adjacent sections. The building mem-- bers making up the roof sections have their contacting side faces disposed at right angles to the curve or pitch line of the roof at the respective members, and the spikes secure the members into a strong, rigid and self-supporting construction. Old or used lumber of variable length, or lumber which is too short for ordinary building purposes roofs, and the constructions, therefore, are inexpensive to build. 7

My improved roof constructions may be built by making each of the sections separately and then placing them on the supporting walls and fastening the sections together. The individual sections may be readily constructed bybuilding them over suitable forms. The respective modified sections shown in Figs. 10 to 12 and 18 to 20 have cross sectional heights that decrease from the middle of the sections to the ends thereof; and the distance between the sides of the sections, over the surfacesthereof at their ends, is substantially less than that over the middle portions of the sections. The number of courses of building members of uniform cross sectional size at the ends of the sections, therefore, should be may be used toward the middles or centers of the sections.

Both the inside and outside of my improved constructions are quite smooth and free of projections. The exterior surface of the roof may be treated with asphalt or gravel or covered with shingles or roofing paper or otherwise treated to make it water-tight. The constructions are selfsupporting; and,- since no unsightly and expensive trusses are required on the inside, they are ideal for factories, skating rinks, etc. The constructions may be designed to have a modernistic and pleasing external appearance.

I do not intend to limit the invention to the details of construction shown and described except only insofar as certain of the appended claims may be specifically so limited, as it will be obvious that modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention.

- I claim: V 7

1. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses,

The roof sections in cross the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends toward its center.

2. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center along at least a portion of its length and being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center.

3. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides towards its center and being of substantially uniform cross section from end to end, said section being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center.

4. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center and being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center, the height of the roof section in cross section gradually decreasing from the center of the roof section toward its ends.

5. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof to form two roof portions which extend lengthwise of the section and in cross section are straight and slant upwardly to join in the middle region of the section, said section being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center.

6. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members in adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members in each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its 'center and in cross section being in the'form of a curve, said section being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center.

7. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members in adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members in each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto inface to face contact, said section"being arched upwardly crosswise thereof to form two roofportions which extend lengthwise of the section and in cross section are straight and slant upwardly to join in the middle region of the section, the height of the roof section in cross section decreasing gradually from the center of the roof section toward its ends, said section being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center.

8. A tru'ssless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non coincident with the joints between the members in adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members in each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center and in cross section being in the form of a curve, the height of the roof section in cross section decreasing gradually from the center of the roof section tuting a substantial portion of a roof, fas-v tening elements for securing the members in each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center along at least a portion of its length and being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center, a plurality of said courses adjacent each other and in the central region of the section being discontinuous to form an opening in the section for a skylight, and a plurality of braces extending between the opposite portions of the section at the sides of said opening.

10. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses,

the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, saidsection being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center along at least a portion of its length and being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center, each of said members in each of said courses being disposed with its faces in contact with the faces of the members in adjacent courses at right angles to thepitch line of the roof at the member.

11. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in end to end relation with r the joints therebetween non-coincident with the "joints between the members of adjacent courses,

the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center and being of substantially uniform cross section from end to end, said section being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center, each of said members in each of said courses 7 being disposed with its faces in contact with the faces of the membersin adjacent courses at right angles to the pitch line of the roof at the member.

12. A trussless roof section comprising in combination a plurality'of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each course comprising a plurality of building members in endrto end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of said section being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of a roof, and fastening elements forsecuring the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, said section being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward itscenter and being arched upwardly lengthwise thereof from its ends toward its center, the height of the roof section in cross section gradually decreasing from the center of the roof section toward its ends, each of said members in each of said courses being disposed with its faces in contact with the faces of the members in adjacent courses at right angles to the pitch line of the roof at the member.

13. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of roof sections, each of said roof sections comprising a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each of said courses being formed by a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of each of said sections being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting a substantial portion of the roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face to face contact, each of said sections being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center along at least a portion of its length and being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends toward its center, said sections extending side by side and in mutual bracing relation.

14. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of roof sections, each of said roof sections comprising a plurality of courses extending lengthwise thereof, each of said courses being formed by a plurality of building members in end to end relation with the joints therebetween non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, the adjacent courses of each of said sections being in face to face contact and collectively providing a continuous roof surface from one side to the other of the roof section, said surface constituting. a substantial portion of the roof, and fastening elements for securing the members of each course to the members of the courses adjacent thereto in face ,toface contact, each of said sections being arched upwardly crosswise thereof from its sides toward its center along at least roof at the member, said sections extending side 7 by side and in mutual bracing relation.

JOHN F. BLASKI. 

